Notiziario UFO - 1984 03-1985 02 - Vol 19-20 No 103

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'UFO', published by the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (C.U.N.), is titled 'Italy's International UFO News' and covers the period from March 1984 to February 1985, issue number 103. The cover prominently features the Italian government's response to a parliamentary inquiry regarding UFOs, alongside an image of a flying saucer.

Government Response to Parliamentary Inquiry

The main article details the official response from the Italian government, specifically the Ministry of Defense, to a parliamentary question (Interrogazione parlamentare) presented by MPs Abete, Fiori, Scaiola, and Scovacicchi. The response, dated July 10, 1984, states that the Air Force's Air Staff is responsible for technical aspects of unidentified flying object sightings, collaborating with the Army, Navy, and Carabinieri. They have established procedures for collecting, verifying, and analyzing reports, often involving a specialized military commission. However, the conclusions reached so far have not ruled out meteorological phenomena as explanations. The Ministry confirms that documentation on UFO sightings is preserved and can be made available to interested civilian entities. Crucially, the Ministry states it does not foresee accrediting civilian experts within its organization or establishing a military ufological entity. The response also mentions that the Prime Minister's office is considering entrusting the CNR (National Research Council) with studies on the UFO phenomenon.

The article also references the success of the III National Congress of Ufology in Genoa, dedicated to 'UFO and Mass Media,' and notes the growing interest from Italian politicians. It highlights international developments, including astronomer Hynek's involvement, reports from China, France (CNES GEPAN), Great Britain, and the USSR, suggesting a need for Italy to verify the opportunity of entrusting the CNR with a research project on UFOs, involving Italian university researchers and potentially declassifying relevant documents.

Another parliamentary inquiry (4-04870) by the same MPs to the Minister of Defense is also addressed. It reiterates the Air Force's role since 1979 in monitoring UFO developments via a dedicated section within the Air Staff. However, it emphasizes that the armed forces do not consider themselves competent to issue scientific judgments, limiting their role to technical control and data collection. The inquiry references the successful CUN Congress in Genoa and the public's interest in the topic.

Table of Contents and Editorial

The magazine's table of contents lists several articles: an editorial, a special on traces, 'Sicilia 1980: Una strana traccia: UFO?', 'Altri raffronti' (Other comparisons), 'Pure nelle Marche?', and an article on photographic UFO investigation. The editorial section discusses the failure to reach the target of 1000 subscribers, leading to the discontinuation of the 'NOTIZIARIO UFO' project with the publisher Violin, and the CUN taking back management of the publication.

Case Study: Sicilia 1980 - Buseto Palizzolo (TP)

This detailed article by Settimo Albanese investigates a case from April 15, 1980, in Buseto Palizzolo, Sicily, where a viticulturist, Giuseppe Pedone, reported traces of a possible UFO landing in his vineyard. The CUN's Palermo branch sent an investigative commission. The report details testimonies from Pedone and the Carabinieri who first arrived at the scene. The Carabinieri reported experiencing itching and skin irritation. The investigation revealed a circular depression in the ground, approximately 20 cm deep, with several circular holes. Vegetation within the depression was sparse, with a vine shoot in the center showing signs of scorching. Soil samples were collected, and geomagnetic and thermometric measurements were taken. Geomagnetic readings showed irregularities within the depression, and temperature measurements indicated a difference between the external air and the soil within the depression. Photographic and cinematographic (infrared) surveys were also conducted.

Analysis of soil samples using X-ray diffractometry showed they were primarily composed of calcite and quartz, consistent with the local geological composition, with no unusual mineralogical findings. Microbiological analysis indicated a lower bacterial count in the sample from the trace area compared to a control sample, leading to speculation about a possible sterilizing effect. Botanical tests showed a slight delay in germination from seeds planted in the trace soil compared to the control soil, but overall growth was similar, suggesting no significant chemical-physical alteration of the soil.

Analogies with Marliens, France (1967)

The article draws parallels between the Buseto Palizzolo case and a similar incident in Marliens, France, in May 1967. In Marliens, traces were found in a field, including a circular depression and holes. Analysis of the soil revealed a greyish powder, identified as silica and quartz, suggesting a fusion process or high temperatures. The ground was dry and hard, as if 'cooked,' yet the surrounding vegetation was not carbonized. Similarities noted include the shape of the traces, the presence of unusual soil composition, and the effect on vegetation. The article questions how these analogies can be explained, given the involvement of military and civilian authorities in both cases.

Other Comparisons: USA, France, Romania

This section presents brief overviews of other UFO landing trace cases:

• Socorro, New Mexico, USA (April 24, 1964): A plan of traces left by a UFO, described as an apparent asymmetry due to ground topography, suggesting a sophisticated landing gear.
• Valensole, France (June 1, 1965): A reconstruction of an egg-shaped object that landed in a lavender field, based on the testimony of Mr. Masse.
• Valle Plopullu, Romania (September 28, 1972): A plan of traces left by a UFO in a cornfield, noted for its perfect symmetry.
• Moron De La Frontera, Spain (1970): An event in a sunflower field, showing traces on the ground and their appearance on the surface and in depth.

Purely in the Marches?

This article reports on a strange incident that occurred on the night of May 4-5, 1980, near Porto Potenza Picena in the Marche region of Italy. A local farmer noticed a persistent bright light during a thunderstorm. The following day, he discovered damage to his beet plantation in an area approximately 15 meters in diameter. The plants were described as having been affected by an unknown phenomenon.

Photographic UFO Investigation

Roberto Balbi's article, 'The Photographic Survey in Landing Cases,' discusses the challenges and techniques of photographing UFO evidence. He notes that while over 5000 images exist globally, many are false or misidentified. He emphasizes the importance of using appropriate equipment, such as reflex cameras with various lenses (50mm, 28mm, telephoto), and filters (green, yellow, orange, red, polarizer) for black and white and color photography. He suggests using infrared film to detect thermal emissions and even proposes using telephoto lenses as makeshift rangefinders. Balbi also details how to use filters to enhance details in landing traces, such as scorch marks or flattened areas. For difficult-to-photograph subjects, he recommends techniques like using a soft brush with chalk or talc to highlight details and placing measuring rulers alongside the traces for scale.

UFO BIT: Computer Use in Ufology

Piergiovanni D'Orazio's article explores the increasing use of computers in ufology. He highlights how the decreasing cost of microcomputers makes them accessible for personal use, including UFO research. The article outlines two main phases: archiving and data processing. Archiving involves operations like data insertion, deletion, correction, consultation, and printing, using file structures such as sequential, indexed sequential, relative, and causal access. It also introduces the concept of databases and 'open systems' with artificial intelligence capabilities. Beyond data management, D'Orazio discusses the potential of computers for graphics (3D modeling, animation) and sound synthesis, enabling researchers to reconstruct UFO appearances and analyze sounds associated with sightings. The article also touches upon the use of modems for real-time data exchange and access to shared databases, emphasizing that these powerful tools are becoming indispensable for serious ufological research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the official response (or lack thereof) from governmental bodies to UFO phenomena, the detailed analysis of physical evidence from alleged landing sites, and the application of scientific and technological methods (photography, geology, computer science) to ufological investigation. The magazine appears to adopt a serious, technical, and investigative approach, aiming to present documented cases and analyses, while also acknowledging the limitations and challenges in definitively proving the nature of UFOs. The editorial stance, as indicated by the CUN's management of the publication and its focus on detailed case studies and scientific methodology, suggests a commitment to rigorous ufological research.